Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) analyzer

Abstract

Described is a system for detection of microbiologically induced corrosion. The system includes a cathodic protection device configured to generate a signal corresponding to the presence of corrosion near a structure at risk of corrosion. The system also includes an odor sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to emission of an odor near the structure. Additionally, the system includes a digital circuit connected with the cathodic protection device and the odor sensor. The digital circuit is configured to process the signals from the cathodic protection device and the odor sensor and, based on the processed signals, generate a notification corresponding to presence of microbiologically induced corrosion proximate the structure.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A system for detection of microbiologically induced corrosion, comprising:
 at least one cathodic protection device configured to generate a signal corresponding to the presence of corrosion proximate a structure; 
 at least one odor sensor configured to generate a signal corresponding to emission of an odor caused by the presence of microorganisms proximate the structure; and 
 at least one diode-transistor logic digital circuit connected with the at least one cathodic protection device and the at least one odor sensor, 
 wherein the at least one diode-transistor logic digital circuit is configured to perform a logic gating function based on a pre-logic set according to a decision matrix, 
 wherein each diode-transistor logic digital circuit is configured to process the signals from the at least one cathodic protection device and the at least one odor sensor and, in response to a first signal indicating the presence of corrosion, generate a first notification corresponding to the presence of corrosion proximate the structure, 
 in response to a second signal indicating the presence of the odor, generate a second notification corresponding to the presence of the odor proximate the structure, and 
 in response to both the first signal and the second signal, generate a third notification corresponding to presence of microbiologically induced corrosion proximate the structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the diode-transistor logic digital circuits are connected via a wireless network. 
     
     
       3. The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each cathodic protection device is one of a galvanic cathodic protection device and an impressed current cathodic protection device. 
     
     
       4. The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each diode-transistor logic digital circuit is powered by at least one of a solar power source and a battery power source. 
     
     
       5. The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each diode-transistor logic digital circuit is configured to continuously monitor the at least one cathodic protection device and the at least one odor sensor. 
     
     
       6. The system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the diode-transistor logic digital circuit is an integrated circuit. 
     
     
       7. A method for detecting microbiologically induced corrosion, comprising:
 positioning at least one cathodic protection device proximate a structure, wherein the at least one cathodic protection device is configured to generate a signal corresponding to the presence of corrosion; 
 positioning at least one odor sensor proximate the structure, wherein the at least one odor sensor is configured to generate a signal corresponding to emission of an odor caused by the presence of microorganisms; 
 connecting at least one diode-transistor logic digital circuit with the at least one cathodic protection device and the at least one odor sensor; 
 processing, by each diode-transistor logic digital circuit, the signals received from the at least one cathodic protection device and the at least one odor sensor, 
 wherein the processing by the at least one diode-transistor logic digital circuit comprises performing a logic gating function based on a pre-logic set according to a decision matrix; 
 in response to a first signal indicating the presence of corrosion, generating a first notification corresponding to the presence of corrosion proximate the structure; 
 in response to a second signal indicating the presence of the odor, generating a second notification corresponding to the presence of the odor proximate the structure; and 
 in response to both the first signal and the second signal, generating a third notification corresponding to presence of microbiologically induced corrosion proximate the structure. 
 
     
     
       8. The method as set forth in  claim 7 , further comprising connecting a plurality of the diode-transistor logic digital circuits via a wireless network. 
     
     
       9. The method as set forth in  claim 7 , further comprising continuously monitoring, by each diode-transistor logic digital circuit, the at least one cathodic protection device and the at least one odor sensor. 
     
     
       10. The method as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein in response to the first notification corresponding to the presence of corrosion, identifying a cause of corrosion via ultrasonic testing. 
     
     
       11. The method as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein in response to the second notification corresponding to the presence of odor, performing a cleaning process proximate the structure. 
     
     
       12. The method as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein in response to the third notification corresponding to the presence of microbiologically induced corrosion, determining whether to replace the structure.